Best GameBoy Advance games guide, last updated: October 15, 2026
The best GameBoy Advance games are still fun to play today, and many of them are easy to find. However, the system had hundreds of titles, so it is hard to know where to start. Therefore, this guide ranks ten top picks, explains why each one works and shows how to play them now, including on Nintendo Switch Online.
Best GameBoy Advance Games at a Glance
First, here is the quick list. Also, the last column shows the easiest way to play each game today.
| Rank | Game | Genre | How to Play Today |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pokémon Emerald | RPG | Original cartridge |
| 2 | The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap | Action adventure | Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack |
| 3 | Metroid Fusion | Action platformer | Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack |
| 4 | Advance Wars | Strategy | Cartridge, or the Switch remake |
| 5 | Fire Emblem (The Blazing Blade) | Tactical RPG | Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack |
| 6 | Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow | Action RPG | Castlevania Advance Collection |
| 7 | Golden Sun | RPG | Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack |
| 8 | Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga | RPG | Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack |
| 9 | Mario Kart: Super Circuit | Racing | Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack |
| 10 | Kirby & The Amazing Mirror | Platformer | Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack |
Of course, no ranking fits everyone. For example, a player who wants a deep RPG may prefer Golden Sun, while a player with ten minutes to spare may choose Mario Kart. Also, other lists place different games first. According to Dexerto’s January 2026 ranking, Pokémon FireRed, LeafGreen and Emerald sit near the top, with Super Mario Advance 4 close behind.
Best GameBoy Advance Games Explained
Pokémon Emerald is the best pick for long play. First, you explore Hoenn and build a team. Then you take on the Battle Frontier after the story. As a result, it keeps going long after the credits. Fans of the card game can also read about the types of pokemon cards, or learn grass type weakness before a hard battle.
The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap lets Link shrink to a tiny size. Because of this, small holes and plants become new paths. In addition, the puzzles stay fair, so it suits first-time Zelda players.
Metroid Fusion is tense and focused. For example, you explore a station while a hunter copy of Samus follows you. Meanwhile, the game tells you where to go, which helps newcomers to the series.
Advance Wars is a turn-based war game on a grid. In this game, terrain, unit types and commanders decide each fight. Therefore, it is simple to learn but deep to master. Later, Nintendo remade it for Switch as Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp, so you now have two ways to play.
Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow adds a Soul system. For instance, you absorb enemy souls to gain new powers, so you can build your own style. Moreover, the castle map rewards you for going back to old rooms.
If you also like older Nintendo hardware, see our guide to the best snes games.
Best GameBoy Advance Games for RPG Fans
Overall, RPG fans have a great choice here. Besides Pokémon Emerald, three other games stand out. Specifically, these are:
- Golden Sun: Turn-based battles, Djinn that change your stats and puzzle dungeons built on Psynergy.
- Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga: Funny writing and timed button presses that keep battles active.
- Fire Emblem: Grid battles where each character matters. Also, Dexerto lists it as The Blazing Blade and notes that its tactics come with permanent losses.
So, if you like Advance Wars but want more story, start with Fire Emblem. In addition, Eevee fans can learn how to evolve eevee into umbreon for their Pokémon team.
Best GameBoy Advance Games for Action and Quick Play
Not every player wants a 40-hour story. Fortunately, the system also has many short and fast games.
- Mario Kart: Super Circuit: Easy racing with many tracks, plus local multiplayer.
- WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$: Very short challenges that change every few seconds, so you never wait.
- Kirby & The Amazing Mirror: An open Kirby adventure where you copy enemy powers.
- Metroid: Zero Mission: A tight remake of the first Metroid game.
As a result, these games work well for a quick break.
How to Play These Games Today
In general, you have three main options. First, you can buy original cartridges and play them on a Game Boy Advance or Game Boy Advance SP. Second, you can use Nintendo Switch Online. Third, you can buy official collections or remakes.
Nintendo Switch Online
In short, GBA games on Switch need the Expansion Pack tier. According to Nintendo Life’s list, the service now has 32 GBA games. These include The Minish Cap, Metroid Fusion, Golden Sun, Fire Emblem, Mario Kart: Super Circuit and Kirby & The Amazing Mirror. Also, Nintendo added Dr. Mario & Puzzle League in July 2026, as Bleeding Cool reported.
In the US, Nintendo Life lists the Expansion Pack at $49.99 for 12 months, or $79.99 for a family plan. However, please check the current price in your country before you subscribe.
What Is Not on the Service
However, some of the biggest names are missing. Nintendo Life’s list does not include Pokémon Emerald, Advance Wars or Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow. For Castlevania, Konami’s Castlevania Advance Collection is the official option. Likewise, for Advance Wars, the Switch remake is available. Finally, for Pokémon Emerald, you still need the original cartridge.
Cartridge Tips
Overall, old cartridges can be risky to buy. Therefore, check photos of the label and the pins, and avoid prices that look too good. Also, some Pokémon cartridges use a battery to save, so test the save before you commit to a long run.
How to Choose a Game
- Want a long adventure? Then pick Pokémon Emerald or Golden Sun.
- Want puzzles? Then pick The Minish Cap.
- Want strategy? Then pick Advance Wars or Fire Emblem.
- Want a short session? Then pick Mario Kart or WarioWare.
- Want exploration? Then pick Metroid Fusion or Aria of Sorrow.
In short, choose the genre first, and then pick the game. If a game feels slow at the start, give it an hour, because older games explain things differently.
Best GameBoy Advance Games FAQ
What are the best GameBoy Advance games of all time?
Pokémon Emerald, The Minish Cap, Metroid Fusion, Advance Wars, Fire Emblem, Aria of Sorrow and Golden Sun are the most common picks. However, rankings differ by source.
Which GBA games are on Nintendo Switch Online?
Currently, Nintendo Life counts 32, including The Minish Cap, Metroid Fusion and Golden Sun. You need the Expansion Pack tier.
Is Pokémon Emerald on Nintendo Switch Online?
No. However, it is not on Nintendo Life’s current list, so you need the original cartridge.
What are good GBA games for beginners?
For example, Mario Kart: Super Circuit, Kirby & The Amazing Mirror, The Minish Cap and Pokémon Emerald are easy places to start.
Are GBA games still worth playing?
Yes. In fact, strong level design and clear controls do not age, so the best titles still feel good.
Conclusion
In short, the best GameBoy Advance games cover almost every genre, from Pokémon Emerald to Mario Kart. First, start with the genre you like, then check whether the game is on Nintendo Switch Online or needs a cartridge. Finally, try two or three picks from the table, and you will find a favorite fast.
Sources: Dexerto, Nintendo Life, Bleeding Cool, Konami.
